Remote Car Starter Review

From LoveToKnow Cars

Before you decide on a remote ignition system for your vehicle, it's a good idea to check out remote car starter reviews online. There are many reviews out there, but you may be wondering which ones to trust.

How to Change Gears in an Automatic Car

What Is a Remote Ignition System?

These systems allow owners to start their cars from a distance. Instead of climbing into a freezing cold vehicle in the winter, you can actually turn on the heat from your office. You can also remotely cool off your car with the air conditioning during the hottest months of the year.

Remote car starters work by sending a radio signal to a receiver in the automobile. Much like keyless entry, you simply push a button on your key fob. The module in your car then starts the vehicle for you without the key. Some systems even include a timer function, which starts your car for you at regular intervals during the day.

Prices for remote car starter systems can run anywhere from $50 to over $200. Installation of the product is usually extra.

A Remote Car Starter Review You Can Trust

When you look for reviews on the Internet, it can be difficult to sort out whether it makes sense to listen to the reviewer. We've all read reviews where the person talking about the product doesn't actually own that exact model. In order to trust a review, you need to be confident about its source.

Some reviewers also have a stake in a product or company, which can make it difficult for them to write an unbiased report about the merchandise. Because of this, it's always a good idea to stick to relatively well-known and independent sources for product reviews. Consumer advocacy organizations are usually a safe bet.

Gadgetell has a good, unbiased review of a Viking car starter.
CNet is also good source for product reviews.

Brands with Consistently Good Reviews

Regardless of who is reviewing them, some brands stand out as being higher quality and more user friendly than their competitors are. The following brands regularly do well in reviews:

Audiovox
Bulldog
Viper

Other brands also perform well, so it's important to ask a retailer about his or her personal recommendation. Retailers have seen which models require repair and which models offer a good value and good quality. When in doubt, ask an expert.

Many professionals also recommend that you go with a company specializing in vehicle ignition systems. If remote car starters are a company's main product, they are far more likely to excel at producing quality equipment.

Tips to Help You Choose

A remote car starter review is not the only way to choose a product. Customer reviews are important, but so are features. Here are some things to look for when you buy a remote vehicle ignition system.

Look for a retailer who can give you all the information about the remote starter and who is an expert at installation. Car starters are tricky to install, so it's important to find an experienced and knowledgeable professional to help.
Ask about the transmission range. Some inexpensive car starters look like a good deal until you find out you need to be close to your car in order to use them. A longer range for your remote car starter means that you will get more use out of the product.
Buy a product with a good warranty. The module in your car should have a lifetime guarantee, and the remote should have a warranty of at least one year.
Check into getting a remote start system that protects against grinding, trying to start an engine that is already running.
Look for a company that offers quality installation. Ask for references to ensure the installer is legitimate and will not harm your automobile.
Do your research. As with any major automotive purchase, check out your options before deciding on a product and retailer. Doing your homework will save you money.

Don't get overwhelmed by all the information out there about remote car starters. A little research and the right product are all you need to have a more comfortable driving experience this winter.